Today in World War II History—Aug. 11, 1942

Hedy Lamarr publicity photo for the film The Heavenly Body, 1944 (public domain via Wikipedia)

75 Years Ago—Aug. 11, 1942: In Allied “Pedestal” convoy to Malta, carrier HMS Eagle is sunk by German U-boat U-73.

US War Production Board orders entire crop of wine grapes be made into raisins for the military.

Actress Hedy Lamarr applies for a patent for a frequency-hopping system to prevent interception and jamming of radio communications; although not used in WWII, the technology made cellular phones possible.

HMS Eagle listing in the Mediterranean Sea, 11 Aug 1942 (Imperial War Museum)